UNSOLVED
Closed
5150 AC Power prob?
I've had my Inspiron 5150 for 9 months with no problems until 2 nights ago when I was using it on AC power, the screen started blinking, dim to bright. The battery icon would appear from time to time as if the AC power wasn't connected or wasn't working. At first, wiggling or pushing the cord in a little would help, then that didn't help at all. I tried plugging it into a different outlet, but that made no difference. Now the battery is dead and I cannot get my computer to turn on at all. The AC adapter's green light is on. My best guess is that the problem is with the connection - that the cord is not fitting into the computer correctly, but there is no reason that I know of why it suddenly wouldn't connect. Any suggestions are much appreciated. I'm having a difficult time getting in touch with the Dell people about this. Thanks.
I've been having a similar problem. It started with being unable to charge the battery on my 5150, so I got dell to ship me a new power cord/adapter. This seemed to fix the problem but about a week later the same thing happened. I tried removing the battery and just running off AC Power, which works, but the system will randomly shut down now with no rhyme or reason while I'm in the middle of using it. Removing the adapter and plugging it in sometimes works, though the random shut-down's are becoming more and more regular...
When I email Dell tech support they just tell me to try and new battery, which I don't have and don't want to buy when I'm pretty sure it isn't strictly a battery issue (since the PC shuts down without a battery even in the bay)
- Update
For anyone who's having a similar problem and is no longer under warranty, I'm sorry to have to say that Dell first sent me a new AC adapter and cord which made no difference. I then sent my 5150 in for repair and got it back today with a new System Board and so far it seems to be working fine. I wish I had more information on what caused this problem in the first place and what I should do in the future to avoid it happening again. I'm considering extending my warranty after seeing so many posts from people with the same or similar problems occurring just after warranty expired.
I didn't mention in my first post that the AC power cord was always very loosely connected to my computer and would often just fall out. The new power cord seems to fit better, but the better-fitting cord by itself didn't solve the problem. ssokol1441
2 Posts
389
0
Posted May 3rd, 2005 17:00
We've had the motherboard replaced three times in last 6 months. Dell is replacing the laptop now as it's under warranty. Contact them ASAP if you are still under warranty. Good luck
beastyben1
138 Posts
389
0
Posted April 15th, 2005 19:00
This is a known problem with the power supply connection. This area around the adapter is very sensitive to heat. Your still under warranty so I'd send it back right away for repair. Future heat problems may arise so make sure you keeping the air intake well ventilated and blowing out dust with some compressed air.
Regards,
Ben